Do computers teach better? A media comparison study for case-based teaching in radiology.

A prospective study was performed to better define the role of computers in teaching radiology to medical students. Two hundred twenty-five 3rd-year students were randomly assigned to one of four groups and exposed to 10 radiology cases as well as to a voluntary weekly radiology lecture. Group A used computer-based cases with interactive elements; group B used computer-based cases without interactive elements; group C used paper-based cases with interactive elements; and group D was not exposed to the cases and served as a control group.

Clinical manifestations of AB-amyloidosis: effects of biocompatibility and flux.

Background: Highly permeable biocompatible dialysis membranes may postpone the development of AB-amyloidosis, but the relative contribution of enhanced flux or reduced inflammation by highly biocompatible membranes and sterile dialysis fluid remains unknown.

Methods: In this retrospective investigation, 89 patients with end-stage renal disease maintained on regular haemodialysis for at least 10 years and treated with one type of dialysis membrane exclusively were selected for analysis. They were divided into three groups: low-flux, bioincompatible cellulose (I), low-flux, intermediately biocompatible polysulphone or PMMA (II), or high-flux, highly biocompatible polysulphone or AN69 (III).

Indications, management, and complications of temporary inferior vena cava filters.

Purpose: We describe the results of a preliminary prospective study using different recently developed temporary and retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.

Methods: Fifty temporary IVC filters (Günther, Günther Tulip, Anthéor) were inserted in 47 patients when the required period of protection against pulmonary embolism (PE) was estimated to be less than 2 weeks. The indications were documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and temporary contraindications for anticoagulation, a high risk for PE, and PE despite DVT prophylaxis.

[Percutaneous transhepatic stent implantation versus hepaticojejunostomy in palliative therapy of distal malignant bile duct stenosis].

The value of radiologically controlled stent implantation compared to hepatojejunostomy in palliative treatment of tumor induced cholestasis was examined in a non randomised retrospective study. 54 patients suffering of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (n = 34), carcinoma of the distal bile duct (n = 10) and metastatic induced stenosis of the common bile duct (n = 10) were compared in regard to survival time, normalisation of cholestasis and complication rate. The survival time following stenting procedure (n = 31) is 6.